Postmodern design was a short-lived movement that manifested itself chiefly in Italy and the United States in the early 1980s. The characteristics of vintage postmodern furniture and other postmodern objects and decor for the home included loud-patterned, usually plastic surfaces; strange proportions, vibrant colors and weird angles; and a vague-at-best relationship between form and function.
ORIGINS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
CHARACTERISTICS OF POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
POSTMODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
VINTAGE POSTMODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
Critics derided postmodern design as a grandstanding bid for attention and nothing of consequence. Decades later, the fact that postmodernism still has the power to provoke thoughts, along with other reactions, proves they were not entirely correct.
Postmodern design began as an architectural critique. Starting in the 1960s, a small cadre of mainly American architects began to argue that modernism, once high-minded and even noble in its goals, had become stale, stagnant and blandly corporate. Later, in Milan, a cohort of creators led by Ettore Sottsass and Alessandro Mendini — a onetime mentor to Sottsass and a key figure in the Italian Radical movement — brought the discussion to bear on design.
Sottsass, an industrial designer, philosopher and provocateur, gathered a core group of young designers into a collective in 1980 they called Memphis. Members of the Memphis Group, which would come to include Martine Bedin, Michael Graves, Marco Zanini, Shiro Kuramata, Michele de Lucchi and Matteo Thun, saw design as a means of communication, and they wanted it to shout. That it did: The first Memphis collection appeared in 1981 in Milan and broke all the modernist taboos, embracing irony, kitsch, wild ornamentation and bad taste.
Memphis works remain icons of postmodernism: the Sottsass Casablanca bookcase, with its leopard-print plastic veneer; de Lucchi’s First chair, which has been described as having the look of an electronics component; Martine Bedin’s Super lamp: a pull-toy puppy on a power-cord leash. Even though it preceded the Memphis Group’s formal launch, Sottsass’s iconic Ultrafragola mirror — in its conspicuously curved plastic shell with radical pops of pink neon — proves striking in any space and embodies many of the collective’s postmodern ideals.
After the initial Memphis show caused an uproar, the postmodern movement within furniture and interior design quickly took off in America. (Memphis fell out of fashion when the Reagan era gave way to cool 1990’s minimalism.) The architect Robert Venturi had by then already begun a series of plywood chairs for Knoll Inc., with beefy, exaggerated silhouettes of traditional styles such as Queen Anne and Chippendale. In 1982, the new firm Swid Powell enlisted a group of top American architects, including Frank Gehry, Richard Meier, Stanley Tigerman and Venturi to create postmodern tableware in silver, ceramic and glass.
On 1stDibs, the vintage postmodern furniture collection includes chairs, coffee tables, sofas, decorative objects, table lamps and more.
Nikho II Ceiling Lamp in Wood, Brass and Fabric by Studio Marine Breynaert
Located in Geneve, CH
Nikho II Ceiling Lamp in Wood, Brass and Fabric by Studio Marine Breynaert. Dimensions: W 56 x D 56 cm (Height upon request). Materials: Wood, solid brass with fabric shade. Availab...
Brass
Brass and Wood Luminária Flutua by Atelier Andre Ferri
Located in Geneve, CH
Brass and Wood Luminária Flutua by Atelier Andre Ferri Dimensions: D 180 x H 40 cm. Materials: Wood, Brass. ANDRÉ FERRI André Ferri is from Belo Horizonte, born in 1990, graduated...
Brass
$6,471 / item
Japan 75 Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires
Located in Geneve, CH
Japan 75 Pendant Lamp by WJ Luminaires Dimensions: Ø 75 x H 500 cm. Materials: Aluminum and travertine romano. Available in different aluminum color options. Available in two diffe...
Travertine, Metal
$3,683 / item
Honey Nebula Pendant Lamp by Mirei Monticelli
Located in Geneve, CH
Honey Nebula pendant lamp by Mirei Monticelli. Dimensions: D 60 x W 60 x H 60 cm. Materials: Banaca fabric. Also available in hand-painted fabric. ...
Fabric
LV-426 Vertical 3 Diffusers Pendant in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon
Located in Geneve, CH
LV-426 Vertical 3 Diffusers Pendant in Patinated Cast Bronze by William Guillon Hand Sculpted, Dated and Signed Dimensions: Ø 80 x H 135 cm (custom dimensions upon request) Materials...
Bronze
$258 / item
Corner Globe Coral Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
Corner Globe Coral Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: D 12,5 x W 16 x H 26 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel. Available in different color options. The PVC cord length is 200 cm....
Steel
Haara 10 Chandelier by Cameron Design House, Glass & Brass, England
Located in Geneve, CH
Haara 10 Chandelier by Cameron Design House Dimensions: D 40 x W 170 x H 50 cm Materials: Glass. polished brass. Available with 7, 10, 13, 17, o...
Metal
$741 / item
LL2 Coral Pendant Lamp by +kouple
Located in Geneve, CH
LL2 Coral Pendant Lamp by +kouple Dimensions: D 126 x W 9 x H 5 cm. Materials: Powder-coated steel, aluminum and plastic. Available in different color options. The rod length is 20...
Aluminum, Steel
$2,847 / item
Roller Vertical 60 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Roller Vertical 60 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 9 x H 60 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nicke...
Alabaster, Copper
$7,636 / item
Coco Résille Suspension Lamp by Coralie Beauchamp
Located in Geneve, CH
Coco Résille Suspension Lamp by Coralie Beauchamp Dimensions: W 69 x D 69 x H 67 cm, Materials: Fiberglass with a weaving carbon, epoxy resin with a...
Epoxy Resin, Fiberglass
Three Arms Linear Brass and Alabaster Pendant Light by Christopher Boots
Located in Geneve, CH
Iris Tria Pendant Light by Christopher Boots Dimensions: D 90 x H 12 cm. Materials: Brass, alabaster. Available in Aged Brass, Brushed Brass, Hand Rubbed Brass, or Dark Bronze Pleas...
Alabaster, Brass
$12,332 / item
Signature Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Signature Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 185 x W 11 x H 21 (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, ...
Alabaster, Copper
Planet Gong Sculptural Pendant Lamp, designed and assembled in Italy by Dario
Located in Parma, IT
The Planet Gong pendant lamp is a visual tribute to the mythological universe of the progressive rock band Gong. Designer Dario Nasuti sought to bring to life the "Planet Gong" frequ...
Steel
$2,682 / item
Fleur Edera 5 Chandelier by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
Fleur Edera 5 Chandelier by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 56 x H 45 cm. Materials: Satin borosilicate glass and metal. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to ...
Metal
$13,850 / item
Leather and Alabaster Mobile Chandelier by Contain
Located in Geneve, CH
Leather and Alabaster Mobile Chandelier by Contain Dimensions: D 185 x W 185 x H 300 cm (custom length). Materials: Alabaster, brass and ...
Alabaster, Brass
Three-Arm Brass and Leather Chandelier by Comelit, Italy, 1980s
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Three sweeping arms extend from a central hub, each terminating in a circular brass reflector that directs and softens the light. Wrapped in black natural leather, the curved structu...
Brass
$8,743 / item
Kalupso 6 Satellites Ceiling Light by Moure Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Kalupso 6 satellites ceiling light by Moure Studio Dimensions: D150 x H80 cm Materials: Glass and patinated brass Also available in different dimensions. Our Kalupso chandelie...
Brass
$22,251 / item
MMM Leaf 24 Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari
Located in Geneve, CH
MMM Leaf 24 Pendant Lamp by MM Lampadari Dimensions: Ø 200 x H 148/223 cm. Materials: Glass and metal. Different metal finishes are available. All our lamps can be wired according ...
Metal
$13,202 / item
Dionysos Ceiling Lamp #12 by Emilie Lemardeley
Located in Geneve, CH
Dionysos ceiling lamp #12 by Emilie Lemardeley Dimensions: D120 x W60 x H40 cm. Materials: brass and hand blown glass. Led 3W in each glass glo...
Brass
Champagne Chandelier in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme
Located in Geneve, CH
Champagne Chandelier in Powder-Coated Aluminum by altreforme Dimensions: D 210 x W 150 x H 63 cm. Materials: Powder-coated aluminum. All our lamps can be wired according to each cou...
Aluminum, Other
$12,237 / item
21.14 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
21.14 Pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D 50.8 x H 300 cm Materials: white powder, coated square canopy Weight:17.7 kg Also Available in different dimensions. All our lamps can be ...
Nickel
$10,719 / item
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Pendant II by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Pendant II by Aver Dimensions: D 100 x W 90 x H 13 cm. Materials: Natural stone, metal. Available in different metal finish options. ¨Please conta...
Stone, Metal
$9,613 / item
73.7 Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
73.7 Pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D20.3 x H300 cm Materials: brushed nickel round canopy Weight: 21 kg Also available in different dimensions and colours. All our lamps can be w...
Other, Nickel
Italian Murano Glass Chandelier, Hand Blown, Post-Modern Design, 1970
Located in Austin, TX
Spectacular Italian Murano hand blown glass chandelier from Venice; Italy. This piece has been newly wired to US standards.
Murano Glass
Georgina Black Cascade Chandelier by 7Gods Studio, Post-Modern Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Georgina Black Mountain by 7Gods Studio Dimensions: D 40 x W 120 x H 200 cm Materials: Branch: Carbon fibre, Berry: Unglazed porcelain Weight: from 3-10 kg About: Taking the enduri...
Porcelain, Carbon Fiber
$74,686 / item
Georgina Egg Jabuticaba Pendant Lamp by 7Gods Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Georgina Egg Jabuticaba Pendant Lamp by 7Gods Studio Dimensions: D 40 x W 200 x H 40 cm Materials: Branch: Carbon fibre, Berry: Ostrich Egg Weight: from 5-15 kg About: Taking the e...
Carbon Fiber
$11,002 / item
HR Pendant Lamp by Studio Bazazo
Located in Geneve, CH
HR Pendant Lamp by Studio Bazazo Dimensions: D 30 x W 230 x H 88 cm. Materials: Aluminum, glass, and onyx. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA ...
Onyx, Aluminum
$10,719 / set
Set Of 6 Moon Pendant Lamps by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Set Of 6 Moon Pendant Lamps by United Alabaster Dimensions: D 24 x H 2,3 cm D 28 x H 2,3 cm D 32 x H 2,3 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Al...
Alabaster, Copper
Modern Whitetail Antler Chandelier with Metal Beam by The Peak Antler
Located in Geneve, CH
Modern Whitetail Antler Chandelier with Metal Beam by The Peak Antler Dimensions: W 38.10 x D 182.88 x H 38.10 cm Materials: naturally shed antlers, metal, edison bulbs Based in, pr...
Metal
Unique Grid-Like Candlelight Sculptural Brass Chandelier by Morghen Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Kairos chandelier by Morghen Studio Materials: Melted silvered brass, LED light, silicone. Dimensions: 120 x 120 x 180 cm Light source: 375 cm of 24v LED - ca. 40 w - 2700°k - 3000 Lumen - dimmable n° 5 LED lines + n° 7 candle’s holder...
Brass
$1,341 / item
Tubular Bells Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Tubular Bells Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: ⌀ 7,8 x H 39 cm (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, ...
Alabaster, Copper
Plastic Resin Chandelier
Located in New York, NY
Shades of orange plastic resin form this POP interpretation of a traditional form hanging light fixture. The fixture comes with ample chain, as it was originally a Swag light. Workin...
Plastic
$16,850 / item
Medium Monika Pendant Lamp by Naomi Paul
By Naomi Paul
Located in Geneve, CH
Medium Monika pendant lamp by Naomi Paul Dimensions: D 80 x H 100 cm Materials: Metal frame, Egyptian cotton cord. Color: Ecru with Green Gold lower. Available in other colors an...
Metal
$7,025 / item
28.7 Cluster Pendant Lamp by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
28.7 Cluster pendant lamp by Bocci Dimensions: Diameter 49.5 x Height 300 cm Materials: blown glass, braided metal coaxial cable, electrical components, brushed nickel canopy. Lamping: : 1.5w LED or 20w xenon. Non-dimmable. Coax: adjustable. 3000mm (10’) standard / up to 30500mm (100’) maximum Also available in different sizes. All our lamps can be wired according to each country. If sold to the USA it will be wired for the USA for instance. 28.7 is a cluster of seven 28 pendants...
Metal, Steel, Nickel
Churros Model 1 Pendant Light in Painted Wood, Metal & Vegetable Leather by KIMU
Located in Geneve, CH
Churros Model 1 Pendant Light in Painted Wood, Metal & Vegetable Leather by KIMU Unique Piece Dimensions: Ø 16 x H 107 cm. Materials: Painted wood, powder-coated metal, and veget...
Metal
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Pendant VII by Aver
Located in Geneve, CH
Pharos Hand Sculpted Natural Stone Pendant VII by Aver Dimensions: D 8.5 x W 8.5 x H 52 cm. Materials: Natural stone, metal. Available in different metal finish options. Please cont...
Stone, Metal
Namibia Leather Cone Small Lamp by Cuero Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Namibia Leather Cone Small Lamp by Cuero Design Dimensions: Ø 25 x H 17 cm. Materials: Leather, metal, and cord. Finish: Crude Nature leather, black metal, and black cord. Available...
Metal
Mid-Century Esperia Murano Pendant Chandelier Angelo Brotto, Italy 1980s
Located in Saarbruecken, DE
Mid-Century pendant by Angelo Brotto for Esperia. Italy 1980s Rewired. one socket e27. Cable lenght 100cm.
Art Glass
1980s Memphis Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs Conic 20” Chandelier
By Robert Sonneman, George Kovacs
Located in Farmington Hills, MI
We are very pleased to offer a sculptural chandelier by world renowned architectural and Industrial designer Robert Sonneman for George Kovacs, circa the 1987. This clean-lined chandelier...
Metal
Beran Brushed Brass Small Drop 3 Chandelier by Bert Frank
Located in Geneve, CH
Beran Brushed Brass Small Drop 3 Chandelier by Bert Frank Dimensions: Ø 26 x H 100 cm. Materials: Brass and alabaster. Available in two different sizes. Available in different fini...
Alabaster, Brass
$44,821 / item
Georgina Magnolia Sorbus by 7Gods Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Georgina Magnolia Sorbus by 7Gods Studio Dimensions: D 30 x W 150 x H 35 cm Materials: Branch: Carbon fibre, Flower: Hand beaten brass Weight: from 2-7 kg About: Taking the endurin...
Carbon Fiber
Large Misalliance Ex Ultramarine Suspended Light by Lexavala
Located in Geneve, CH
Large Misalliance ex ultramarine suspended light by Lexavala Dimensions: D 16 x W 130 x H 8 cm Materials: powder coated shade with details made of brass or stainless steel. Ther...
Aluminum, Brass, Stainless Steel
Murano Silvered Glass Chandelier, Eight Arms, Italian Post-War Design
Located in Queens, NY
Post-War Design Italian Venetian Murano silvered glass chandelier with multiple scroll 8 arms and multiple scrolls emanating from a center shaft with a final and bowl bottom.
Glass
Nickel Plated Brass Twinkle Jewel Light Pendant Lamp by Magic Circus Editions
Located in Geneve, CH
Nickel Plated Brass Twinkle Jewel Light Pendant Lamp by Magic Circus Editions Dimensions: H 35 x W 40 cm Materials: Solid brass. Weight: 5 kg Available finishes: -Brass : polished l...
Brass
$10,284 / item
28.7 Copper Pendant by Bocci
Located in Geneve, CH
28.7 Pendant by Bocci Dimensions: D 20.3 x H 300 cm Materials: white round canopy Weight: 9.7 kg Also available in different dimensions. All our lamps can be wired according t...
Nickel
Blue & White Murano Glass Bell Pendant Attributed to Mazzega, Italy, 1970s
By Mazzega
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This pendant features a bell-shaped blue and white Murano glass lampshade. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight traces of use, but it can be c...
Metal
$3,694 / item
Cumulus Bubble Chandelier by The Light Factory
Located in Geneve, CH
Cumulus Bubble Chandelier by The Light Factory. Dimensions: W 76,2 x D 61–66 x H 45,7 cm. Materials: Hand-blown glass bubbles and refined metal hardware. Hand-blown glass bubbles fo...
Metal
$6,989 / item
Mayu 04 Pendant Light by Coco Flip
Located in Geneve, CH
Mayu 04 Pendant Light by Coco Flip Dimensions: D 38 x W 38 x H 170 cm Materials: White mesh fabric on transparent backing. Weight: 2.2kg Standard fixtures included Pendants: 1 x 80...
Fabric
$1,106 / item
Moon 15 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster
Located in Geneve, CH
Moon 15 Pendant Lamp by United Alabaster Dimensions: ⌀ 15 (Customizable Height) Materials: Alabaster, Copper (Matt Black finish) Also Available: Satin Gold, Nickel, Matt Black, Matt ...
Alabaster, Copper
$14,297 / item
XXL Chandelier by Olivia Cognet
Located in Geneve, CH
XXL Chandelier by Olivia Cognet Dimensions: L 100 cm x W 75 cm x H 32 cm Materials: Ceramic. Non electrified. Weight: 46 kg. Each of Olivia’s handmade creations is a unique work of ...
Ceramic
Maria Theresa 30 Lights Chandelier in Colored Artisan Crystal by Aggiolight
Located in Geneve, CH
Maria Theresa 30 Lights Chandelier in Colored Artisan Crystal by Aggiolight. Dimensions: D 125 x H 120 cm. Materials: Polished Chrome, Colored Full Cut Crystal. Equipped with 30 x E...
Crystal, Chrome
$2,635 / item
Drop 1 Brass Dome Pendant Lamp by Lamp Shaper
Located in Geneve, CH
Drop 1 Brass Dome Pendant Lamp by Lamp Shaper Dimensions: D 23 x W 24 x H 114.5 cm. Materials: Brass. Different finishes available: raw brass, aged brass, burnt brass and brushed br...
Brass
Linear Corrugation Pendant Light '5 Bulbs' in Off-White
By Tino Seubert
Located in London, GB
Linear corrugation pendant light (5 bulbs) made from off-white (RAL 9002) painted ash veneered plywood and off-white (RAL 9002) powder-coated aluminium tubes. Created in collaboration with Theodora Alfredsdottir. “Corrugation” is a collection of lights inspired by Midcentury Furniture making, honouring the technique of veneer forming. It consists of a scalable hanging light and wall sconces, which can serve as building blocks to create unique combinations playfully spanning across whole rooms. The collection takes veneer forming as a starting point, a process that requires skilled craftsmanship, which was introduced to the furniture world by design names like Alvar Aalto and the Eames couple, and pairs it with off-the-shelf aluminium tubes. A snug fit where the hard powder-coated metal meets the soft wavy wood...
Aluminum
$17,086 / item
Candelera 02 Hanging Lamp by Federico Stefanovich
Located in Geneve, CH
Candelera 02 hanging lamp by Federico Stefanovich Dimensions: Ø 120 x H 240 cm Material: Structure and volumes made of powder coated steel. Poly...
Steel
Alabaster Horizon Suspension Lamp by Michel Amar – Pure Luxury in Light
Located in Geneve, CH
Alabaster Horizon Suspension Lamp by Michel Amar – Pure Luxury in Light Dimensions: D 15 x W 140 x H 15 cm. Materials: Alabaster and bronze. Available in two different lengths: 110...
Alabaster, Brass
Unique Prickly Pear Velvet 3 Opalines Pendant Lamp by Mickael Koska
Located in Geneve, CH
Unique Prickly Pear Velvet 3 Opalines Pendant Lamp by Mickael Koska Dimensions: Ø 25 cm x H 300 cm. Materials: Opaline glass, velvet finish ceramic, velvet finish, and textile cord....
Ceramic, Cord, Opaline Glass
Light Object 015 Arc Pendant with 2 Light Tubes in Brass by Naama Hofman
By Naama Hofman
Located in Geneve, CH
Light Object 015 Arc Pendant with 2 Light Tubes in Brass by Naama Hofman. Dimensions: W 165 x D 4 x H 63 cm (height to order). Materials: Brass, Acrylic tube. Light: flexible LED str...
Brass
$2,577 / item
Black B15 T H PE Pendant Lamp by Parachilna
Located in Geneve, CH
Black B15 T H PE Pendant Lamp by Parachilna Dimensions: W 119 x D 14 x H 250 cm. Materials: Glass. Weight: 5.5 kg TRANSPARENT GLASS DIFFUSER About: They are based in Barcelona, a c...
Glass
Metropolis Brass Contemporary Suspension Pendant Lamp by Jan Garncarek
Located in Geneve, CH
Metropolis Brass Contemporary Suspension Pendant Lamp by Jan Garncarek Dimensions: 100 x 52 cm Material: brass Handcrafted by Jan Garncarek. Signed and numbered. Information: weigh...
Brass
Cosmos III Unique Chandelier in White Marble, Aluminum & Glass by Andres Monnier
Located in Geneve, CH
Cosmos III Unique Chandelier in White Marble, Aluminum & Glass by Andres Monnier Unique Piece Dimensions: D 50 x W 170 x H 60 cm. Materials: Aluminum, white marble, and glass. Avail...
Marble, Aluminum